Emerald Cruises vs Paul Gauguin

The core difference

Emerald Cruises and Paul Gauguin are not competitors in any conventional sense. They operate in different oceans, serve different motivations, and attract travellers at different moments in their holiday planning. The comparison matters because Australian travellers routinely weigh a European river or yacht cruise against a South Pacific luxury escape — and these two lines represent the best of each option.

Emerald is contemporary versatility. Under the Scenic Group umbrella (headquartered in Newcastle, NSW), the line operates Star-Ships on European rivers and the Mekong alongside the Azzurra superyacht and three more superyachts arriving between 2026 and 2027. The Star-Ships carry approximately 180 guests with the signature heated pool-cinema. The Azzurra carries 100 guests with an infinity pool, watersport marina, and regionally sourced cuisine. The positioning is premium luxury at a competitive price — contemporary design, active excursions, and the comfort of Australian ownership.

Paul Gauguin is singular focus. The m/s Paul Gauguin has been the defining luxury cruise in French Polynesia since 1998 — purpose-built to navigate the shallow lagoons and small harbours of the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, and beyond. Carrying 332 guests with a crew steeped in Polynesian hospitality, the ship was acquired by Ponant in 2019 and comprehensively refurbished in 2025. Complimentary beverages, a watersport marina, and the private island day on Motu Mahana are included. The ship sails year-round from Papeete and does not leave the South Pacific. There is nothing else like it.

For Australian travellers, the choice often comes down to timing and desire. Europe or the Pacific? River heritage or tropical lagoon? The good news is that both are accessible — Paul Gauguin departs from Papeete, just eight hours by direct flight from Sydney.

What is actually included

The inclusion models reflect different philosophies — Paul Gauguin’s resort-style all-inclusive versus Emerald’s tiered premium model.

Paul Gauguin’s fare covers all meals in two restaurants, complimentary beverages including wines and spirits throughout the day and evening, the retractable watersport marina (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling), the private island day on Motu Mahana with beachside barbecue, and entertainment including Polynesian cultural performances. Gratuities are not included but are voluntary. Shore excursions beyond included beach and snorkelling stops are additional. Spa treatments are extra.

Emerald’s river inclusion bundles all meals, selected beverages (house wine, beer, and soft drinks at meals), one guided excursion per port, airport transfers, and gratuities. The superyacht product includes meals, shore excursions, and most dining but charges for premium drinks. Wi-Fi is complimentary across both products.

The key differentiator is drinks. Paul Gauguin’s included spirits, wines, and cocktails represent genuine value — particularly for a week-long tropical cruise where poolside cocktails are part of the experience. Emerald’s selected beverage inclusion on rivers is more modest. On the yacht product, premium drinks are additional. For total inclusion, Paul Gauguin has the edge.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines serve food appropriate to their setting — Paul Gauguin’s French-Polynesian fusion versus Emerald’s contemporary European cuisine.

Paul Gauguin’s dining features two restaurants: the main dining room serving French culinary tradition blended with Polynesian flavours, and the outdoor grill for casual poolside meals. The 2025 Ponant-backed refurbishment elevated the culinary standard with improved sourcing, refined presentation, and a stronger wine programme. The Algotherm spa café offers lighter options. The cuisine reflects the destination — tropical fruits, fresh seafood, French technique — and benefits from Ponant’s Ducasse Conseil culinary heritage. Two dining venues for 332 guests is modest in count but well-executed in quality.

Emerald’s dining spans the main restaurant on Star-Ships (contemporary international cuisine reflecting the sailing route), the poolside terrace for lighter fare, and on the Azzurra, regionally sourced Mediterranean-inspired menus. The kitchen sources local ingredients at each port — a strength on both river and yacht products. Emerald’s food is consistently praised for quality and presentation across two to three venues.

Neither line competes with Oceania or Ponant for culinary depth. Both deliver good food appropriate to their product. Paul Gauguin’s French-Polynesian fusion is a unique proposition — you will not find these flavours on any European river. Emerald’s dining reflects its European sailing routes with contemporary competence.

Suites and accommodation

Different products, different design philosophies — both fit their purpose.

Paul Gauguin’s staterooms and suites range from approximately 200 square feet in standard categories to over 500 square feet in the Grand Suite. Every stateroom and suite features a private balcony or veranda — a standard that larger ships do not always meet at every category. The 2025 refurbishment updated soft furnishings, technology, and bathroom fittings. The ship was purpose-built for tropical waters — natural light, ocean views, and a connection to the lagoon outside are central to the design.

Emerald’s Star-Ship cabins feature the EmeraldView indoor balcony system in standard categories and step-out balconies in top suites, ranging from approximately 160 to 315 square feet. River cabins are space-efficient by necessity. The Azzurra superyacht offers staterooms from approximately 250 to 550 square feet, with 88 per cent featuring step-out balconies and contemporary interiors.

Paul Gauguin’s accommodation is larger and airier than Emerald’s river cabins but comparable to the Azzurra’s yacht staterooms. The balcony standard on Paul Gauguin — every cabin — is a meaningful advantage over Emerald’s river fleet, where balconies are reserved for upper categories.

Pricing and value

The per-diem comparison is closer than expected, particularly when Paul Gauguin’s inclusions are factored in.

Emerald’s per-diem runs approximately AUD $600 to $900 on Star-Ships and AUD $800 to $1,200 on the Azzurra. A seven-night Danube cruise starts from roughly AUD $4,500. A seven-night Mediterranean yacht voyage from roughly AUD $6,000. Flights from Australia to European embarkation ports add AUD $2,500 to $5,000 in economy or AUD $8,000 to $14,000 in business.

Paul Gauguin’s per-diem runs approximately AUD $900 to $1,500 per person per night depending on itinerary length and cabin category. A seven-night Society Islands loop starts from approximately AUD $6,500 to $8,500. Return flights from Sydney to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui cost approximately AUD $1,500 to $2,500 in economy or AUD $5,000 to $7,000 in business — significantly less than European flights.

The total holiday cost for an Australian: a seven-night Paul Gauguin cruise with flights runs approximately AUD $8,000 to $11,000 per person in economy. A seven-night Emerald European river cruise with flights runs approximately AUD $7,000 to $10,000. The total cost is remarkably similar — but the holiday types are entirely different.

Spa and wellness

Different climates, different wellness experiences.

Paul Gauguin’s Algotherm spa offers treatments rooted in island botanicals — coconut oil massages, vanilla body wraps, and tropical scrubs using local ingredients. The spa is compact but well-designed for a 332-guest ship. The primary wellness experience, however, is the ocean itself — snorkelling over coral reefs, paddleboarding in lagoons, and swimming from the watersport marina in 28-degree water. The tropical setting is the spa.

Emerald’s wellness offering includes the Star-Ship heated pool-cinema, a small spa on the Azzurra with treatment rooms, and active wellness through cycling excursions and the watersport marina. The emphasis is on activity rather than pampering — kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided walks.

Both lines offer watersport marinas — but the settings diverge dramatically. Kayaking in a Bora Bora lagoon versus kayaking off Hvar in the Adriatic are both excellent but serve different sensibilities. For tropical wellness, Paul Gauguin. For active European wellness, Emerald.

Entertainment and enrichment

Low-key entertainment on both lines, but with different cultural flavours.

Paul Gauguin’s enrichment is Polynesian. Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins — Polynesian hosts who serve as cultural ambassadors — perform traditional dance and music, lead craft workshops, and join shore excursions to provide cultural context. Evening entertainment includes Polynesian shows on the pool deck, acoustic guitar by the bar, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies on earth. The Motu Mahana beach day is both entertainment and cultural immersion.

Emerald’s enrichment includes destination-focused lectures, local performer visits, and the pool-cinema screenings on Star-Ships. On the Azzurra, acoustic music and social evenings fill the bar. The content reflects each sailing’s geography — Habsburg history on the Danube, Mediterranean cooking demonstrations in the Adriatic.

Both lines suit travellers who prefer cultural immersion over production shows. Paul Gauguin’s Polynesian programme is unique and deeply tied to place. Emerald’s enrichment is competent and varied without a single defining cultural identity.

Fleet and destination coverage

Emerald’s range versus Paul Gauguin’s singular focus — the choice defines the comparison.

Emerald operates approximately 14 vessels across European rivers (Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Douro, Mekong) and oceans (Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea). Three new superyachts arrive between 2026 and 2027. The geographic range spans four continents and two distinct product types.

Paul Gauguin operates one ship. The m/s Paul Gauguin sails year-round from Papeete with itineraries spanning the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga. With Ponant planning a second ship in the region from late 2026, coverage will expand — but the product remains exclusively South Pacific.

Emerald offers choice. Paul Gauguin offers depth. If you know you want French Polynesia, there is no better vessel. If you are exploring options across multiple regions, Emerald’s breadth is the advantage.

Where each line excels

Emerald excels in:

• Geographic range. River and yacht cruising across European rivers, the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea, and Mekong — all from a single brand.
• Australian ownership. Scenic Group heritage with AUD pricing, local support, and a significant Australian passenger community.
• Design innovation. The Star-Ship pool-cinema and Azzurra’s modern yacht aesthetic appeal to a younger luxury demographic.
• Value. Premium luxury at a price point below sister brand Scenic and well below ultra-luxury competitors.

Paul Gauguin excels in:

• French Polynesia expertise. Twenty-eight years of continuous operation in these waters. Purpose-built for shallow lagoons and small harbours. No other cruise ship has this depth of Pacific knowledge.
• Motu Mahana. The private island experience is magical and included in every Society Islands itinerary.
• Proximity to Australia. Eight hours from Sydney by direct flight — closer than any European embarkation port by a factor of three.
• Beverages included. Wines, spirits, and cocktails covered in the fare.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Emerald Cruises

Azzurra: Adriatic Discovery (7 nights, roundtrip Dubrovnik) — The superyacht at its best along the Dalmatian coast. Hvar, Kotor, Korčula, and intimate harbours with the watersport marina deployed daily.

Star-Ship: Christmas Markets (7 nights, various European rivers) — Winter river cruising through illuminated European cities. A seasonal highlight unavailable in the South Pacific.

Star-Ship: Mekong Explorer (7–14 nights, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap) — Southeast Asian river cruising within easy reach from Australia. Cultural immersion and temple visits included.

Paul Gauguin

Society Islands (7 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — The signature itinerary visiting Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a, Raiatea, and Huahine with the Motu Mahana beach day. Fly Sydney–Papeete direct on Air Tahiti Nui (approximately 8 hours). The definitive South Pacific luxury cruise.

Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — The extended voyage reaching the remote Marquesas — dramatic volcanic islands rarely visited by cruise ships. For travellers who want the complete French Polynesia experience.

Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — Combining French Polynesia with Rarotonga and Aitutaki — two of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. Extended reach beyond Paul Gauguin’s core waters.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra (100 guests, 2022) — The ocean product. Start here for Mediterranean and Adriatic yacht cruising. The watersport marina and intimate guest count deliver a private-yacht feel.

Emerald Star-Ships (approximately 180 guests) — The river fleet backbone. Choose for European rivers with the pool-cinema innovation.

Emerald Kaia, Raiya, Xara (arriving 2026–2027) — New superyachts expanding the fleet. Launch pricing may offer early-booker value.

Paul Gauguin

m/s Paul Gauguin (332 guests, 1998, refurbished 2025) — The only ship, and the only one needed. Purpose-built for French Polynesia with a shallow draft that accesses lagoons and harbours no other cruise ship can reach. The 2025 refurbishment under Ponant ownership elevated the onboard standard. Choose based on itinerary length and island preferences.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines have Australian appeal, but Paul Gauguin’s geographic proximity creates a distinctive advantage.

Emerald’s Australian connection is ownership. Part of the Scenic Group (Newcastle, NSW), Emerald offers AUD pricing, Australian phone support, and a significant Australian passenger community. The brand feels domestic in a way imported lines cannot. European sailings require long-haul flights but are well-supported with Australian booking infrastructure.

Paul Gauguin’s Australian appeal is proximity and accessibility. Sydney to Papeete is approximately eight hours on Air Tahiti Nui — comparable to flying to Bali. No jet lag adjustment is needed (Papeete is GMT-10, manageable from AEST). The flight cost is a fraction of European connections. Australian travellers represent a growing segment of Paul Gauguin’s passenger base, and Ponant’s Australian office (1300 737 178) provides local support for bookings.

The practical recommendation: Paul Gauguin is the easiest luxury cruise for Australians to reach — shorter flights, lower airfare, no jet lag. Emerald offers more options across more continents but requires European-distance travel. For a quick luxury escape, Paul Gauguin. For a planned European holiday, Emerald.

The onboard atmosphere

Different destinations create different social environments.

Emerald’s atmosphere is contemporary European. The demographic trends 40s to 60s with a strong Australian, British, and North American mix. Smart casual dress throughout. The social energy is active and outward-facing — guided excursions, the pool area, the watersport marina. The Azzurra’s 100-guest count creates genuine intimacy.

Paul Gauguin’s atmosphere is tropical resort. The demographic is diverse — honeymooners, anniversary couples, and experienced cruisers drawn to the South Pacific. Resort casual dress at all times. Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins create a cultural warmth unique to this ship. The evening mood is barefoot elegance — cocktails by the pool, Polynesian music, dinner under the stars. The pace is deliberately unhurried and dictated by the destination rather than a programme.

Emerald feels like a contemporary European holiday. Paul Gauguin feels like an island escape. Both are relaxed and unpretentious — the question is whether your ideal evening involves a Dubrovnik sunset or a Bora Bora moonrise.

The bottom line

Emerald Cruises and Paul Gauguin serve different dreams, and choosing between them is less about quality than about where your imagination takes you.

Choose Emerald for contemporary river and yacht cruising with Australian ownership, competitive pricing, and the breadth of European rivers, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Choose it for design innovation, active excursions, and a modern luxury product that spans multiple product types and continents. Accept that the culinary programme is good rather than exceptional, and that reaching European embarkation ports requires significant travel from Australia.

Choose Paul Gauguin for the definitive South Pacific luxury cruise — a purpose-built ship in French Polynesia with included drinks, a watersport marina in turquoise lagoons, and the private island day on Motu Mahana. Choose it for proximity to Australia (eight hours from Sydney), Polynesian cultural immersion, and a tropical atmosphere that no European cruise can replicate. Accept the single-destination focus, the smaller onboard dining selection, and the reality that if you have already experienced French Polynesia extensively, the itinerary rotation is limited.

For Australian travellers, both lines deliver holidays worth the investment. The choice is not better or worse — it is Europe or the Pacific, river heritage or coral reef, design innovation or island tradition.